Atco withdraws directive mandating NOC for TV journalists' job switch
Atco also urged stakeholders to avoid any confusion or procedural complications arising from the withdrawn instruction
The Association of Television Channel Owners (Atco) has rescinded its earlier instruction requiring journalists and other employees working in television channels to obtain a no-objection certificate (NOC) before switching jobs.
In a notice issued today (18 May), the organisation said the emergency directive issued on 17 May had been sent "inadvertently" and therefore stands withdrawn.
Signed by Atco President Anjan Chowdhury and General Secretary Abdus Salam, the statement clarified that the previous circular (memo no. ATCO/NOC/03/26) should no longer be considered valid.
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It also urged stakeholders to avoid any confusion or procedural complications arising from the withdrawn instruction.
Earlier, in a "special emergency notice" signed by the association's President Anjan Chowdhury and General Secretary Abdus Salam issued yesterday, the organisation stated that employees working in or leaving any television channel must secure proper clearance before accepting employment elsewhere.
According to the notice, joining another television channel without an NOC will be considered a violation of institutional rules. It also warns that organisations may take legal action against employees who breach the directive.
The decision had triggered widespread criticism on social media from journalists, with many raising concerns over professional mobility and employment rights.
